The Church of St. Saviour in Chora, is called Kariye Camii in Turkish, has been converted from a church to a mosque and is now a museum. For me, after Hagia Sophia, it's the most interesting Byzantine church in the city. Definitely not the the building itself but the superb series of mosaics and frescoes which it preserves and which have been magnificently restored and cleaned. This is one of the best visits for me in İstanbul. The name of the church 'in Chora' means in the country because the very ancient monastery to which it was attached was outside the Constantinian walls.
This museum is not that popular with the tourists who have short time to stay in İstanbul. But if you in anyway have an extra half day I would definitely suggest you take a short visit here. Leave yourself to the frescoes and dive into the depths of history. And the great thing here is you can take photographs without flash.
Find your way with 238 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Lil Bake is a small, lovely spot in the heart of Moda, Istanbul. My favorite used to be the pistachio Paris breast, until I tasted their croissants...
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"Vogue Restaurant Bar" is one of Istanbul's higher end spots. The food is great, but I would recommend the signature (molecular) cocktails. How about...
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"Banyan" is my bar/restaurant of choice in Istanbul's Ortaköy for a drink or dinner after work. In their terrace you'll feel as if you're on a ship's deck.
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"Forno Balat" in Istanbul has amazing breakfast -- the best scrambled eggs and open-buffet and homemade jams I've tasted in Turkey.
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"Grand Bazaar" is my place to buy the best Istanbul souvenir: round, fat evil eyes! Just don't forget to bargain...
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"Norm Coffee" Istanbul makes me feel as if I'm in a spaceship travelling to a coffee planet every time! It's just one of my favorite spots in the city.
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Turkish Tea is had after each meal, and it's a reflection of hospitality. When in Istanbul, have it at small local tea houses in Sultanahmet.
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"The Letter Opener" is one of the best souvenirs to get for friends back home when you're in Istanbul and I recommend you get them from Grand Bazaar.
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"Groove" is my suggestion for music lovers who're in Istanbul looking for record shops! Sami, "the music doctor", will guide you through this journey...
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The "Tortoise Trainer" is one of my favorite paintings to be found in Istanbul. You can see it in the contemporary/orientalist Istanbul Pera museum.
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"Ethem Tezçakar" Coffee makes much better coffee than other places in Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, so it's important to visit this one small shop!
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"Kurucu Ali Baba Restaurant" is one of the restaurants that serve haricot beans just outside Suleymaniye in Istanbul. Great service, worth the money...
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